Development of an Airbag Geometry Specific for Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract

Airbags are important safety devices in modern vehicles. However, their effectiveness is linked to the occupants being seated in standard positions. Although autonomous vehicles are less accident-prone, they are also equipped with airbags, similar to any other vehicle. Additionally, autonomous vehicles allow for occupants seated in non-standard positions, so in the case of a collision, the airbags’ effectiveness decreases. In this work, an airbag design suitable for both assisted and autonomous driving conditions is proposed, the driver’s airbag being the object of interest. Airbag geometry, threads, seam strength, and seam geometries were selected following Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies and a series of experimental tests. Moreover, an adaptive system based on sewn tethers allows the airbag to adapt to the driving mode, which is proposed and validated. Finally, all the findings were experimentally tested on two different geometries. The results were satisfactory as the deployed airbag shape and dimensions were as expected, indicating that this airbag design is capable of protecting the driver of a vehicle capable of autonomous driving.